Son of Vincenzo and Anna Maria Marello. His motherdied when Joseph was very young, and the family moved from Turin to Santi Martino Alfieri. Entered the seminary at age 12. Contracted typhus at age 19; promised Our Lady that if he survived, he would continue his studies to be ordained. He recovered, attributed the cure to Our Lady of Consolation, and was ordained on 19 September1868.

O Glorious Saint Joseph, after the Blessed Virgin, you were the first to hold in your arms the Redeemer. May you teach us; may you assist us, may you make us worthy members of the Holy Family. – Saint Joseph Marello